The Mexican government said after Trump's visit that his rival Hillary Clinton had also also been invited to Mexico, but she had declined the offer.

Defending himself against criticism following the meeting, President Peña Nieto said he had wanted to build relationships with both major party candidates in order to continue the close working relationship between the Mexican and US governments.

'Many times I have given the explanation of why I sought an encounter with both candidates, and it was only to care for Mexicans and the interests of Mexico,' he said.

A poll shortly after the visit showed 85 per cent of Mexicans thought the invitation was a mistake.